Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association Paid Courtesy Call on Environment Minister

The leadership of the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP), on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Accra.

The meeting formed part of ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts aimed at strengthening collaboration in the implementation of Ghana’s national environmental policies, particularly in the area of plastic waste management. Discussions focused on the government’s initiatives under the National Plastic Management Policy (NPMP) and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme, a key regulatory approach intended to hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of plastic products.

Hon. Dr. Muhammed welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, promote responsible production, and improve recycling systems. He noted that the successful implementation of the NPMP depended heavily on private sector engagement, innovation, and adherence to environmental standards.

The GPMA, led by its executive members, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Ministry and reiterated the Association’s support for national efforts to enhance sustainable plastics management. The delegation also shared insights into the challenges faced by the industry, including the high cost of environmentally friendly alternatives, low levels of public awareness, and the need for clearer regulatory guidance to support compliance.

Both parties acknowledged the importance of transitioning toward a circular plastics economy, where waste is minimized through improved design, reuse, and recycling. The discussions also underscored the need for increased public education, incentives for sustainable manufacturing, and investment in local capacity for plastic recovery and processing.

In his remarks, Hon. Dr. Muhammed stated:

“The plastic pollution crisis is a shared responsibility. Government alone could not solve it. We needed the private sector to step up, innovate, and collaborate with us. The Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association was a critical stakeholder, and your involvement in the implementation of the National Plastic Management Policy and the EPR Scheme was essential.”

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint technical working group to facilitate deeper collaboration between the Ministry and GPMA on critical implementation areas, including regulatory alignment, data sharing, compliance support, and investment in recycling infrastructure.

This engagement formed part of MEST’s broader strategy to promote inclusive, multi-stakeholder participation in environmental governance and to accelerate Ghana’s transition to a more sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient economy.